Method and apparatus for detecting rf field strength

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for detecting RF field strength. A field strength reference generator develops a field strength reference current as a function of a field strength of a received RF signal; and a field strength quantizer develops a digital field-strength value indicative of the field strength reference current. In one embodiment, detected field strength is used to dynamically vary the impedance of a tank circuit whereby, over time, induced current is maximized.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/428,170 filed 29 Dec. 2010 (“Parent Provisional One”), and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/485,732 filed 23 May 2011, (“Parent Provisional Two”), collectively, “Parent References”, and hereby claims benefit of the filing dates thereof pursuant to 37 CFR §1.78(a)(4).

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 12/462,331, filed 1 Aug. 2009 (“Related Application”), which is in turn a Division of application Ser. No. 11/601,085, filed 18 Nov. 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,586,385, issued 8 Sep. 2009 (“Related Patent”) (collectively, “Related References”). The subject matter of the Related References, each in its entirety, is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to application Ser. No. 13/209,425, filed simultaneously herewith on 14 Aug. 2011 (“Related Co-application”).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to detecting RF field strength, and, in particular, to detecting RF field strength in a passive RFID system.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, in the descriptions that follow, we will italicize the first occurrence of each special term of art that should be familiar to those skilled in the art of radio frequency (“RF”) communication systems. In addition, when we first introduce a term that we believe to be new or that we will use in a context that we believe to be new, we will bold the term and provide the definition that we intend to apply to that term. In addition, throughout this description, we will sometimes use the terms assert and negate when referring to the rendering of a signal, signal flag, status bit, or similar apparatus into its logically true or logically false state, respectively, and the term toggle to indicate the logical inversion of a signal from one logical state to the other. Alternatively, we may refer to the mutually exclusive boolean states as logic_0 and logic_1. Of course, as is well know, consistent system operation can be obtained by reversing the logic sense of all such signals, such that signals described herein as logically true become logically false and vice versa. Furthermore, it is of no relevance in such systems which specific voltage levels are selected to represent each of the logic states.

In accordance with our prior invention previously disclosed in the Related References, the amplitude modulated (“AM”) signal broadcast by the reader in an RFID system will be electromagnetically coupled to a conventional antenna, and a portion of the current induced in a tank circuit is extracted by a regulator to provide operating power for all other circuits. Once sufficient stable power is available, the regulator will produce, e.g., a power-on-reset signal to initiate system operation. Thereafter, the method disclosed in the Related References, and the associated apparatus, dynamically varies the capacitance of a variable capacitor component of the tank circuit so as to dynamically shift the f_(R) of the tank circuit to better match the f_(C) of the received RF signal, thus obtaining maximum power transfer in the system.

In general, the invention disclosed in the Related References focused primarily on quantizing the voltage developed by the tank circuit as the primary means of matching the f_(R) of the tank circuit to the transmission frequency, f_(C), of the received signal. However, this voltage quantization is, at best, indirectly related to received signal field strength. We submit that what is needed now is an effective and efficient method and apparatus for quantizing the received field strength as a function of induced current. It is further desirable to develop this field quantization in a form and manner that is suitable for selectively varying the input impedance of the receiver circuit to maximize received power, especially during normal system operation. Additionally, in light of the power sensitive nature of RFID systems, it is desirable to vary the input impedance with a minimum power loss.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of our invention, we provide an RF communication system in which an external transmitter electromagnetically couples a signal of predetermined frequency, f_(C), to a receiver separated by an air gap from the transmitter. The system uses a method for dynamically maximizing a received power transfer by adjusting a tuning circuit of the receiver. The tuning circuit comprises an antenna and a capacitor that can be varied in a selected one of first and second directions. The method comprises the steps of (1) choosing a selected one of said first and second directions; (2) capturing a first current response of the tuning circuit to the signal transmitted by the transmitter; (3) varying the capacitor in the selected first or second direction; (4) comparing the captured first response to a second current response of the tuning circuit to the signal currently transmitted by the transmitter; (5) if the comparison made in step 4 indicates that the second current response is weaker than the captured first response, selecting the other of the selected directions; and (6) returning to step 2.

In accordance with another embodiment of our invention, we provide a power detector for use in an RF receiver. The power detector comprises a power reference generator and a power quantizer. The power reference generator is adapted to develop a power reference current as a function of a power transferred via a received RF signal. The power quantizer is responsive to the power reference current and is adapted to develop a digital field power value indicative of the power reference current.

In accordance with another embodiment of our invention, we provide a field strength quantizing detector for use in an RF system. The detector comprises a regulator, a current source circuit, a reference circuit, and a control circuit. The regulator circuit is adapted to conduct a first current proportional to the field strength of a received electromagnetically coupled RF signal. The current source circuit is adapted to develop a field strength reference current in response to a digital input. The reference circuit is coupled to the regulator circuit and to the current source circuit and is adapted to develop a mirrored current as a function of the first current and the field strength reference current. The control circuit adapted to capture the mirrored current, compare the captured mirrored current against a predetermined threshold value, increase the field strength reference current in response to an indication that the field strength current is insufficient, and cease operation in response to an indication that the field strength reference current is sufficient.

In accordance with another embodiment of our invention, we provide a method of quantizing field strength in an RF system comprising a regulator, a current source, a reference circuit, and a control circuit. The method comprises the steps of (1) conducting a first current proportional to the field strength of a received electromagnetically coupled RF signal, (2) developing a field strength reference current in response to a digital input, (3) developing a mirrored current as a function of the first current and the field strength reference current, (4) capturing the mirror current, (5) comparing the captured mirrored current against a predetermined threshold value, (6) changing the field strength reference current in response to an indication that the field strength current is insufficient, and (7) ceasing operation in response to an indication that the field strength reference current is sufficient.

In accordance with another embodiment of our invention, we provide a field strength quantizing detector for use in an RF system. The detector comprises a regulator circuit, a current source, a reference circuit, and a control circuit. The regulator circuit is adapted to conduct a first current proportional to the field strength of a received electromagnetically coupled RF signal. The current source circuit is adapted to develop a field strength reference current in response to a digital input and to develop a reference voltage on a sensing node in response to said field strength current. The reference circuit is coupled to the regulator and to the current source and is adapted to develop a mirrored current as a function of the first current and the field strength reference current and to further develop the reference voltage on the sensing node in response to the mirrored current. The control circuit is adapted to capture the reference voltage, compare the captured reference voltage against a predetermined threshold value, change the field strength reference current and further develop the reference voltage in response to an indication that the field strength current is insufficient, and cease operation of the control circuit in response to an indication that the field strength reference current and the reference voltage are sufficient.

In accordance with another embodiment of our invention, we provide a method of quantizing field string in an RF system comprising a regulator, a current source, a reference circuit, and a control circuit. The method comprises the steps of (1) conducting a first current proportional to the field strength of a received electromagnetically coupled RF signal; (2) developing a field strength reference current in response to a digital input and developing a reference voltage on a sensing node in response to the field strength current; (3) developing a mirrored current as a function of the first current and the field strength reference current and further developing the reference voltage on the sensing node in response to the mirrored current; (4) capturing the reference voltage; (5) comparing the captured reference voltage against a predetermined threshold value; (6) changing the field strength reference current and further developing the reference voltage in response to an indication that the field strength current is insufficient; and (7) ceasing operation in response to an indication that the field strength reference current and the reference voltage are sufficient.

In accordance with another embodiment of our invention, we provide a maximum current detection circuit in an RF system. The maximum current detection circuit comprises a current shunt circuit, a current mirror circuit, an analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”), a digitally controlled current source (“DCCS”), and a digital logic block. The current shunt circuit is adapted to conduct a first current proportional to a received signal. The current mirror circuit is coupled to the current shunt circuit and is adapted to conduct a second current that is proportional to the first current and to produce a reference voltage that is proportional to said second current. The an a ADC is coupled to the current mirror circuit and is adapted to generate a first digital value if the reference voltage is below a first voltage value, to generate a second digital value if the reference voltage is above a first voltage value and output an ADC value that is a selected one of the first digital value and second digital value. The DCCS is coupled to the current mirror and the ADC and adapted to modify the reference voltage in response to receiving a DCCS code. The digital logic block is coupled to the ADC and the DCCS and is adapted to sweep the DCCS code from a first value to a second value, to save a first copy of the DCCS code corresponding to the first instance of ADC value indicating the reference voltage is above the first voltage value.

In accordance with another embodiment of our invention, we provide a tuning circuit for dynamically varying the impendence of a tank circuit. The tank circuit comprises an inductor and a capacitor, the capacitance of which can be varied in a selected one of first and second directions. The tuning circuit comprises a voltage regulator, a current mirror, an analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”), a digitally controlled current source (“DCCS”) and a digital logic block. The voltage regulator is coupled to the tank circuit and is adapted to maintain a constant voltage. The voltage regulator further comprises a current shunt circuit adapted to conduct a first current proportional to a received signal. The current mirror circuit is coupled to the current shunt circuit and is adapted to conduct a second current that is proportional to the first current and to produce a reference voltage that is proportional to the second current, The ADC is coupled to the current mirror circuit and is adapted to generate a first digital value if the reference voltage is below a first voltage value, to generate a second digital value if the reference voltage is above the first voltage value and output an ADC value that is a selected one of the first digital value and second digital value. The DCCS is coupled to the current mirror and the ADC and is adapted to modify the reference voltage in response to receiving a DCCS code. The digital logic block is coupled to the voltage regulator and the tank circuit and adapted to save a first copy of the DAC code corresponding to the first instance of ADC value indicating the reference voltage is above the first voltage value, to sweep the DCCS code from a first selected value to a second selected value, to determine a polarity of the change in a previous value of the DCCS code and current value of the DCCS code, to select one of the first and second directions in response the polarity and to selectively vary the capacitance of the capacitor in the selected direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Our invention may be more fully understood by a description of certain preferred embodiments in conjunction with the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates, in block diagram form, an RF receiver circuit having a field strength detector constructed in accordance with an embodiment of our invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates, in block diagram form, a field strength detector circuit constructed in accordance with an embodiment of our invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates, in block schematic form, a more detailed embodiment of the field strength detector circuit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates, in flow diagram form, the sequencing of operations in the field strength detector circuit shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates, in graph form, the response of the field strength detector circuit shown in FIG. 3 to various conditions;

FIG. 6 illustrates, in block schematic form, an RF receiver circuit constructed in accordance with another embodiment of our invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates, in flow diagram form, the sequencing of the operations in the RF receiver circuit shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates, in block schematic form, an alternative representation of the impedance represented by the antenna and the tank circuit of the exemplary RFID receiver circuit.

FIG. 9 illustrates, in block schematic form, an alternative exemplary embodiment of the field strength detector circuit shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 illustrates, in block schematic form, an alternative exemplary embodiment of the field strength detector circuit shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 illustrates, in block schematic form, an exemplary RFID sub-system containing tag and reader.

In the drawings, similar elements will be similarly numbered whenever possible. However, this practice is simply for convenience of reference and to avoid unnecessary proliferation of numbers, and is not intended to imply or suggest that our invention requires identity in either function or structure in the several embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Shown in FIG. 1 is an RF receiver circuit 10 suitable for use in an RFID application. As we have described in our Related References, an RF signal electromagnetically coupled to an antenna 12 is received via a tank circuit 14, the response frequency, f_(R), of which is dynamically varied by a tuner 16 to better match the transmission frequency, f_(C), of the received RF signal, thus obtaining a maximum power transfer. In particular, as further noted in the Related Applications, the RMS voltage induced across the tank circuit 14 by the received RF signal is quantized by tuner 16 and the developed quantization employed to control the impedance of the tank circuit 14. As also described in the Related References, the unregulated, AC current induced in the tank circuit 14 by the received RF signal is conditioned by a regulator 18 to provide regulated DC operating power to the receiver circuit 10. In accordance with our present invention, we now provide a field strength detector 20, also known as a power detector, adapted to develop a field-strength value as a function of the field strength of the received RF signal. As we have indicated in FIG. 1, our field strength detector 20 is adapted to cooperate with the regulator 18 in the development of the field-strength value. As we shall disclose below, if desired, our field strength detector 20 can be adapted to cooperate with the tuner 16 in controlling the operating characteristics of the tank circuit 14.

Shown by way of example in FIG. 2 is one possible embodiment of our field strength or power detector 20. In this embodiment, we have chosen to employ a shunt-type regulator 18 so that, during normal operation, we can use the shunted ‘excess’ current as a reference against which we develop the field-strength value. In this regard, we use a reference 22 first to develop a shunt current reference value proportional to the shunted current, and then to develop a mirrored current reference value as a function of both the shunted current and a field strength reference current provided by a digitally-controlled current source 24. Preferably, once the tuner 16 has completed its initial operating sequence, whereby the f_(R) of the tank circuit 14 has been substantially matched to the f_(C) of the received signal, we then enable a digital control 26 to initiate operation of the current source 24 at a predetermined, digitally-established minimum field strength reference current. After a predetermined period of time, control 26 captures the mirrored current reference value provided by the current reference 22, compares the captured signal against a predetermined threshold value, and, if the comparison indicates that the field strength reference current is insufficient, increases, in accordance with a predetermined sequence of digital-controlled increments, the field strength reference current; upon the comparison indicating that the field strength reference current is sufficient, control 26 will, at least temporarily, cease operation.

In accordance with our invention, the digital field-strength value developed by control 26 to control the field strength current source 24 is a function of the current induced in the tank circuit 14 by the received RF signal. Once developed, this digital field-strength value can be employed in various ways. For example, it can be selectively transmitted by the RFID device (using conventional means) back to the reader (not shown) for reference purposes. Such a transaction can be either on-demand or periodic depending on system requirements. Imagine for a moment an application wherein a plurality of RFID tag devices are distributed, perhaps randomly, throughout a restricted, 3-dimesional space, e.g., a loaded pallet. Imagine also that the reader is programmed to query, at an initial field strength, all tags “in bulk” and to command all tags that have developed a field-strength value greater than a respective field-strength value to remain ‘silent’. By performing a sequence of such operations, each at an increasing field strength, the reader will, ultimately, be able to isolate and distinguish those tags most deeply embedded within the space; once these ‘core’ tags have been read, a reverse sequence can be performed to isolate and distinguish all tags within respective, concentric ‘shells’ comprising the space of interest. Although, in all likelihood, these shells will not be regular in either shape or relative volume, the analogy should still be apt.

In FIG. 3, we have illustrated one possible embodiment of our field strength detector 20 a. In general, we have chosen to use a shunt circuit 18 a to develop a substantially constant operating voltage level across supply node 28 and ground node 30. Shunt regulators of this type are well known in the art, and typically use zener diodes, avalanche breakdown diodes, diode-connected MOS devices, and the like.

As can be seen, we have chosen to implement current reference 22 in the form of a current mirror circuit 22 a, connected in series with shunt circuit 18 a between nodes 28 and 30. As is typical, current mirror circuit 22 a comprises a diode-connected reference transistor 32 and a mirror transistor 34. If desired, a more sophisticated circuit such as a Widlar current source may be used rather than this basic two-transistor configuration. For convenience of reference, we have designated the current shunted by shunt circuit 18 a via reference transistor 32 as i_(R); similarly, we have designated the current flowing through mirror transistor 34 as i_(R)/N, wherein, as is known, N is the ratio of the widths of reference transistor 32 and mirror transistor 34.

We have chosen to implement the field strength current source 24 as a set of n individual current sources 24 a, each connected in parallel between the supply node 28 and the mirror transistor 34. In general, field strength current source 24 a is adapted to source current at a level corresponding to an n-bit digital control value developed by a counter 38. In the illustrated embodiment wherein n=5, field strength current source 24 a is potentially capable of sourcing thirty-two distinct reference current levels. We propose that the initial, minimum reference current level be selected so as to be less than the current carrying capacity of the mirror transistor 34 when the shunt circuit 18 a first begins to shunt excess induced current through reference transistor 32; that the maximum reference current level be selected so as to be greater than the current carrying capacity of the mirror transistor 34 when the shunt circuit 18 a is shunting a maximum anticipated amount of excess induced current; and that the intermediate reference current levels be distributed relatively evenly between the minimum and maximum levels. Of course, alternate schemes may be practicable, and, perhaps, desirable depending on system requirements.

Within control 26 a, a conventional analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”) 40, having its input connected to a sensing node 36, provides a digital output indicative of the field strength reference voltage, v_(R), developed on sensing node 36. In one embodiment, ADC 40 may comprise a comparator circuit adapted to switch from a logic_0 state to a logic_1 when sufficient current is sourced by field strength current source 24 a to raise the voltage on sensing node 36 above a predetermined reference voltage threshold, v_(th). Alternatively, ADC 40 may be implemented as a multi-bit ADC capable of providing higher precision regarding the specific voltage developed on sensing node 36, depending on the requirements of the system. Sufficient current may be characterized as that current sourced by the field strength current source 24 a or sunk by mirror transistor 34 such that the voltage on sensing node 36 is altered substantially above or below a predetermined reference voltage threshold, v_(th). In the exemplary case of a simple CMOS inverter, v_(th) is, in its simplest form, one-half of the supply voltage (VDD/2). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that v_(th) may by appropriately modified by altering the widths and lengths of the devices of which the inverter is comprised. In the exemplary case a multi-bit ADC, v_(th) may be established by design depending on the system requirements and furthermore, may be programmable by the system.

In the illustrated embodiment, a latch 42 captures the output state of ADC 40 in response to control signals provided by a clock/control circuit 44. If the captured state is logic_0, the clock/control circuit 44 will change counter 38 to change the reference current being sourced by field strength current source 24 a; otherwise clock/control circuit 44 will, at least temporarily, cease operation. However, notwithstanding, the digital field-strength value developed by counter 38 is available for any appropriate use, as discussed above.

By way of example, we have illustrated in FIG. 4 one possible general operational flow of our field strength detector 20 a. Upon activation, counter 38 is set to its initial digital field-strength value (step 48), thereby enabling field strength current source 24 a to initiate reference current sourcing at the selected level. After an appropriate settling time, the field strength reference voltage, v_(R), developed on sensing node 36 and digitized by ADC 40 is captured in latch 42 (step 50). If the captured field strength reference voltage, v_(R), is less than (or equal to) the predetermined reference threshold voltage, v_(th), clock/control 44 will change counter 38 (step 54). This process will repeat, changing the reference current sourced by field strength current source 24 a until the captured field strength reference voltage, v_(R), is greater than the predetermined reference threshold voltage, v_(th), (at step 52), at which time the process will stop (step 56). As illustrated, this sweep process can be selectively reactivated as required, beginning each time at either the initial field-strength value or some other selected value within the possible range of values as desired.

The graph illustrated in FIG. 5 depicts several plots of the voltage developed on sensing node 36 as the field strength detector circuit 20 a sweeps the value of counter 38 according to the flow illustrated in FIG. 4. As an example, note that the curve labeled “A” in FIG. 5 begins at a logic_0 value when the value of counter 38 is at a minimum value such as “1” as an exemplary value. Subsequent loops though the sweep loop gradually increase the field strength reference voltage on sensing node 36 until counter 38 reaches a value of “4” as an example. At this point, the “A” plot in FIG. 5 switches from a logic_0 value to a logic_1 value, indicating that the field strength reference voltage, v_(R), on sensing node 36 has exceeded the predetermined reference threshold voltage, v_(th). Other curves labeled “B” through “D” depict incremental increases of reference currents, i_(R), flowing through reference device 32, resulting in correspondingly higher mirrored currents flowing through mirror device 34. This incrementally higher mirror current requires field strength current source 24 to source a higher current level which in turn corresponds to higher values in counter 38. Thus, it is clear that our invention is adapted to effectively and efficiently develop a digital representation of the current flowing through sensing node 36 that is suitable for any appropriate use.

One such use, as discussed earlier, of our field strength detector 20 is to cooperate with tuner 16 in controlling the operating characteristics of the tank circuit 14. FIG. 6 illustrates one possible embodiment where receiver circuit 10 a uses a field strength detector 20 b specially adapted to share with tuner 16 a the control of the tank circuit 14. In our Related References we have disclosed methods, and related apparatus, for dynamically tuning, via tuner 16 a, the tank circuit 14 so as to dynamically shift the f_(R) of the tank circuit 14 to better match the f_(C) of the received RF signal at antenna 12. By way of example, we have shown in FIG. 6 how the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 of our Related Patent may be easily modified by adding to tuner 16 a a multiplexer 58 to facilitate shared access to the tuner control apparatus. Shown in FIG. 7 is the operational flow (similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4 in our Related Patent) of our new field strength detector 20 b upon assuming control of tank circuit 14.

In context of this particular use, once tuner 16 a has completed its initial operating sequences as fully described in our Related Patent, and our field strength detector 20 b has performed an initial sweep (as described above and illustrated in FIG. 4) and saved in a differentiator 60 a base-line field-strength value developed in counter 38, clock/control 44 commands multiplexer 58 to transfer control of the tank circuit 16 a to field strength detector 20 b (all comprising step 62 in FIG. 7). Upon completing a second current sweep, differentiator 60 will save the then-current field-strength value developed in the counter 38 (step 64). Thereafter, differentiator 60 will determine the polarity of the change of the previously saved field-strength value with respect to the then-current field-strength value developed in counter 38 (step 66). If the polarity is negative (step 68), indicating that the current field-strength value is lower than the previously-saved field-strength value, differentiator 60 will assert a change direction signal; otherwise, differentiator 60 will negate the change direction signal (step 70). In response, the shared components in tuner 16 a downstream of the multiplexer 58 will change the tuning characteristics of tank circuit 14 (step 72) (as fully described in our Related References). Now, looping back (to step 64), the resulting change of field strength, as quantized is the digital field-strength value developed in counter 38 during the next sweep (step 64), will be detected and, if higher, will result in a further shift in the f_(R) of the tank circuit 14 in the selected direction or, if lower, will result in a change of direction (step 70). Accordingly, over a number of such ‘seek’ cycles, our invention will selectively allow the receiver 10 a to maximize received field strength even if, as a result of unusual factors, the f_(R) of the tank circuit 14 may not be precisely matched to the f_(C) of the received RF signal, i.e., the reactance of the antenna is closely matched with the reactance of the tank circuit, thus achieving maximum power transfer. In an alternative embodiment, it would be unnecessary for tuner 16 a to perform an initial operating sequence as fully described in our Related Patent. Rather, field strength detector 20 b may be used exclusively to perform both the initial tuning of the receiver circuit 10 a as well as the subsequent field strength detection. Note that the source impedance of antenna 12 and load impedance of tank circuit 14 may be represented alternatively in schematic form as in FIG. 8, wherein antenna 12 is represented as equivalent source resistance R_(S) 74 and equivalent source reactance X_(S) 76, and tank circuit 14 is represented as equivalent load resistance R_(L) 78 and equivalent, variable load reactance X_(L) 80.

In FIG. 9, we have illustrated an alternate embodiments of our field strength detector illustrated in FIG. 3. Here, as before, shunt circuit 18 b is used to develop a substantially constant operating voltage level across supply node 28 and ground node 30. Also as before, the current reference 22 is implemented as a current mirror circuit 22 b connected in series with shunt circuit 18 b between nodes 28 and 30. However, in this embodiment, the field strength current source comprises a resistive component 84 adapted to function as a static resistive pull-up device. Many possible implementations exist besides a basic resistor, such as a long channel length transistor, and those skilled in the art will appreciate the various implementations that are available to accomplish analogous functionality. The field strength voltage reference v_(R) developed on sensing node 36 will be drawn to a state near the supply voltage when the mirrored current flowing though transistor 34 is relatively small, e.g. close to zero amps, indicating a weak field strength. As the field strength increases, the current flowing through mirror transistor 34 will increase, and the field strength voltage reference v_(R) developed on sensing node 36 will drop proportionally to the mirrored current flowing through mirror transistor 34 as i_(R)/N. ADC 40, having its input connected to sensing node 36, provides a digital output indicative of the field strength reference voltage, v_(R), developed on sensing node 36, as described previously.

In this alternate embodiment, latch 42 captures the output state of ADC 40 in response to control signals provided by a clock/control circuit 44. As disclosed earlier, the ADC 40 may comprise a comparator circuit. In this instance, ADC 40 is adapted to switch from a logic_1 state to a logic_0 when sufficient current is sunk by mirror transistor 34 to lower the voltage on sensing node 36 below a predetermined reference voltage threshold, v_(th). Alternatively, ADC 40 may be implemented as a multi-bit ADC capable of providing higher precision regarding the specific voltage developed on sensing node 36, depending on the requirements of the system.

Comparator 82 subsequently compares the captured output state held in latch 42 with a value held in counter 38 that is selectively controlled by clock/control circuit 44. In response to the output generated by comparator 82, clock/control circuit 44 may selectively change the value held in counter 38 to be one of a higher value or a lower value, depending on the algorithm employed. Depending upon the implementation of counter 38 and comparator 82, clock/control circuit 44 may also selectively reset the value of counter 38 or comparator 82 or both. The digital field-strength value developed by counter 38 is available for any appropriate use, as discussed above.

In FIG. 10, we have illustrated another alternate embodiment of our field strength detector illustrated in FIG. 3. Here, as before, shunt circuit 18 c is used to develop a substantially constant operating voltage level across supply node 28 and ground node 30. In this embodiment, the current reference 22 is implemented as a resistive component 86 that functions as a static pull-down device. Many possible implementations exist besides a basic resistor, such as a long channel length transistor and those skilled in the art will appreciate the various implementations that are available to accomplish analogous functionality. The field strength voltage reference v_(R) developed on sensing node 36 will be drawn to a state near the ground node when the current flowing though shunt circuit 18 c is relatively small, e.g. close to zero amps, indicating a weak field strength. As the field strength increase, the current flowing through shunt circuit 18 c will increase, and the field strength voltage reference v_(R) developed on sensing node 36 will rise proportionally to the current flowing through shunt circuit 18 c. ADC 40, having its input connected to a sensing node 36, provides a digital output indicative of the field strength reference voltage, v_(R), developed on sensing node 36, as described previously.

In this alternate embodiment, latch 42 captures the output state of ADC 40 in response to control signals provided by a clock/control circuit 44. As disclosed earlier, the ADC 40 may comprise a comparator circuit. In this instance, ADC 40 is adapted to switch from a logic_0 state to a logic_1 when sufficient current is sourced by shunt circuit 18 c to raise the voltage on sensing node 36 above a predetermined reference voltage threshold, v_(th). Alternatively, ADC 40 may be implemented as a multi-bit ADC capable of providing higher precision regarding the specific voltage developed on sensing node 36, depending on the requirements of the system.

Comparator 82 subsequently compares the captured output state held in latch 42 with a value held in counter 38 that is selectively controlled by clock/control circuit 44. In response to the output generated by comparator 82, clock/control circuit 44 may selectively change the value held in counter 38 to be one of a higher value or a lower value, depending on the algorithm employed. Depending upon the implementation of counter 38 and comparator 82, clock/control circuit 44 may also selectively reset the value of counter 38 or comparator 82 or both. The digital field-strength value developed by counter 38 is available for any appropriate use, as discussed above.

In another embodiment, our invention may be adapted to sense the environment to which a tag is exposed, as well as sensing changes to that same environment. As disclosed in our Related References, the auto-tuning capability of tuner 16 acting in conjunction with tank circuit 14 detects antenna impedance changes. These impedance changes may be a function of environmental factors such as proximity to interfering substances, e.g., metals or liquids, as well as a function of a reader or receiver antenna orientation. Likewise, as disclosed herein, our field strength (i.e., received power) detector 20 may be used to detect changes in received power (i.e., field strength) as a function of, for example, power emitted by the reader, distance between tag and reader, physical characteristics of materials or elements in the immediate vicinity of the tag and reader, or the like. Sensing the environment or, at least, changes to the environment is accomplished using one or both of these capabilities.

As an example, the tag 88 of FIG. 11, contains both a source tag antenna 12 (not shown, but see, e.g., FIG. 6) and a corresponding load chip tank circuit 14 (not shown, but see, e.g., FIG. 6). Each contains both resistive and reactive elements as discussed previously (see, e.g., FIG. 8). A tag 88 containing such a tank circuit 14 mounted on a metallic surface will exhibit antenna impedance that is dramatically different than the same tag 88 in free space or mounted on a container of liquid. Table 1 displays exemplary values for impedance variations in both antenna source resistance 74 as well as antenna source reactance 76 as a function of frequency as well as environmental effects at an exemplary frequency:

TABLE 1 Antenna Impedance Variations In Free Air 860 MHz 910 MHz 960 MHz R_(S) 1.9 2.5 3.7 X_(S) 124 136 149 @ 910 MHz Free Air On Water Oft Metal R_(S) 2.5 26 1.9 X_(S) 136 136 27

The tuner circuit 16 of our invention as disclosed in the Related References automatically adjusts the load impendence by adjusting load reactance 80 (see, e.g., FIG. 8) to match source antenna impedance represented by source resistance 74 (see, e.g., FIG. 8) and source reactance 76 (see, e.g., FIG. 8). As previously disclosed, matching of the chip load impedance and antenna source impedance can be performed automatically in order to achieve maximum power transfer between the antenna and the chip. Our invention as disclosed in the Related References contained a digital shift register 90 for selectively changing the value of the load reactive component, in the present case a variable capacitor, until power transfer is maximized. This digital value of the matched impendence may be used either internally by the tag 88, or read and used by the reader 92, to discern relative environmental information to which the tag 88 is exposed. For example, tag 88 may contain a calibrated look-up-table within the clock/control circuit 44 which may be accessed to determine the relevant environmental information. Likewise, a RFID reader 92 may issue commands (see transaction 1 in FIG. 11) to retrieve (see transaction 2 in FIG. 11) the values contained in digital shift register 90 via conventional means, and use that retrieved information to evaluate the environment to which tag 88 is exposed. The evaluation could be as simple as referencing fixed data in memory that has already been stored and calibrated, or as complex as a software application running on the reader or its connected systems for performing interpretive evaluations.

Likewise, consider a tag 88 containing our field strength (i.e., received power) detector 20 (not shown, but, e.g., see FIG. 6) wherein the method of operation of the system containing the tag 88 calls for our field strength detector 20 to selectively perform its sweep function and developing the quantized digital representation of the current via the method discussed earlier. As illustrated in FIG. 11, counter 38 will contain the digital representation developed by our field strength detector 20 of the RF signal induced current, and may be used either internally by the tag 88, or read and used by the reader 92, to discern relative environmental information to which the tag 88 is exposed. For example, reader 92 may issue a command to the tag 88 (see transaction 1 in FIG. 11) to activate tuner 16 and/or detector 20 and, subsequent to the respective operations of tuner 16 and/or detector 20, receive (see transaction 2 in FIG. 11) the digital representations of either the matched impedance or the maximum current developed during those operations. Once again, this digital value of the field strength stored in the counter 38 may be used either internally by the tag 88, or read and used by the reader 92, to discern relative environmental information to which the tag 88 is exposed. For example, tag 88 may contain a calibrated look-up-table within the clock and control block 44 which may be accessed to determine the relevant environmental information. Likewise, an RFID reader may issue commands to retrieve the values contained in digital shift register 90, and use that retrieved information to evaluate the environment to which tag 88 is exposed. The evaluation could be as simple as referencing fixed data in memory that has already been stored and calibrated, or as complex as a software application running on the reader or its connected systems for performing interpretive evaluations. Thus, the combining of the technologies enables a user to sense the environment to which a tag 88 is exposed as well as sense changes to that same environment.

Thus it is apparent that we have provided an effective and efficient method and apparatus for quantizing the received RF field strength as a function of induced current. We have developed this field quantization in a form and manner that is suitable for selectively varying the impedance of the tank circuit to maximize received power, especially during normal system operation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit of our invention. Therefore, we intend that our invention encompass all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. In an RF communication system in which an external transmitter electromagnetically couples a signal of predetermined frequency, f_(C), to a receiver separated by an air gap from the transmitter, a method for dynamically maximizing a received power transfer by adjusting a tuning circuit of the receiver, the tuning circuit comprising an antenna and a capacitor, a capacitance of which can be varied in a selected one of first and second directions, the method comprising the steps of: (1) selecting one of said first and second directions; (2) capturing a first current response of the tuning circuit to the signal transmitted by the transmitter; (3) varying the capacitor in said selected first or second direction; (4) comparing the captured first response to a second current response of the tuning circuit to the signal currently transmitted by the transmitter; (5) if the comparison made in step 4 indicates that the second current response is weaker than the captured first response, selecting the other of said directions; and (6) returning to step
 2. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first direction is selected to increase the capacitance of the variable capacitor, and the second direction is selected to decrease the capacitance of the variable capacitor.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein step 1 is further characterized as: (1) selecting a predetermined one of said first and second directions.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein step 6 is further characterized as: (6) if the comparison made in step 4 indicates that the difference between the current response and the captured response is greater than a predetermined minimum, returning to step
 2. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein step 6 is further characterized as: (6) if the comparison made in step 4 indicates that the difference between the current response and the captured response is greater than a predetermined minimum, selectively returning to step
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 31. In an RF communication system in which an external transmitter electromagnetically couples a signal of predetermined frequency, f_(C), to a receiver separated by an electrically non-conducting gap from the transmitter, a method for dynamically maximizing a received power transfer by adjusting a tuning circuit of the receiver, the tuning circuit comprising an antenna and a capacitor, a capacitance of which can be varied in a selected one of first and second directions, the method comprising the steps of: (1) selecting one of said first and second directions; (2) capturing a first current response of the tuning circuit to the signal transmitted by the transmitter; (3) varying the capacitor in said selected first or second direction; (4) comparing the captured first response to a second current response of the tuning circuit to the signal currently transmitted by the transmitter; (5) if the comparison made in step 4 indicates that the second current response is weaker than the captured first response, selecting the other of said directions; and (6) returning to step
 2. 32. The method of claim 31 wherein the first direction is selected to increase the capacitance of the variable capacitor, and the second direction is selected to decrease the capacitance of the variable capacitor.
 33. The method of claim 31 wherein step 1 is further characterized as: (1) selecting a predetermined one of said first and second directions.
 34. The method of claim 31 wherein step 6 is further characterized as: (6) if the comparison made in step 4 indicates that the difference between the current response and the captured response is greater than a predetermined minimum, returning to step
 2. 35. The method of claim 31 wherein step 6 is further characterized as: (6) if the comparison made in step 4 indicates that the difference between the current response and the captured response is greater than a predetermined minimum, selectively returning to step
 2. 36. In an RF communication system in which an external transmitter electromagnetically couples a signal of predetermined frequency, f_(C), to a receiver separated by an electrically non-conducting medium from the transmitter, a method for dynamically maximizing a received power transfer by adjusting a tuning circuit of the receiver, the tuning circuit comprising an antenna and a capacitor, a capacitance of which can be varied in a selected one of first and second directions, the method comprising the steps of: (1) selecting one of said first and second directions; (2) capturing a first current response of the tuning circuit to the signal transmitted by the transmitter; (3) varying the capacitor in said selected first or second direction; (4) comparing the captured first response to a second current response of the tuning circuit to the signal currently transmitted by the transmitter; (5) if the comparison made in step 4 indicates that the second current response is weaker than the captured first response, selecting the other of said directions; and (6) returning to step
 2. 37. The method of claim 36 wherein the first direction is selected to increase the capacitance of the variable capacitor, and the second direction is selected to decrease the capacitance of the variable capacitor.
 38. The method of claim 36 wherein step 1 is further characterized as: (1) selecting a predetermined one of said first and second directions.
 39. The method of claim 36 wherein step 6 is further characterized as: (6) if the comparison made in step 4 indicates that the difference between the current response and the captured response is greater than a predetermined minimum, returning to step
 2. 40. The method of claim 36 wherein step 6 is further characterized as: (6) if the comparison made in step 4 indicates that the difference between the current response and the captured response is greater than a predetermined minimum, selectively returning to step
 2. 